Category Archives: Thoughts on Life & Writing

‘Senseless Worries’: A Story about Anxiety and the Power of Being Alone

  As a young woman I had all sorts of ambitions of where I would be at 30. Successful, surrounded by people I loved (including, perhaps, one special someone), and generally on an accelerated upward trajectory towards achieving all of my dreams. I was to be wildly successful, because, like all millennials, this was myContinue reading “‘Senseless Worries’: A Story about Anxiety and the Power of Being Alone”

Toxic Adaptability: Why I wrote ‘Spilling Over the Edges’

Almost every woman I know has had at least one relationship where she has willingly allowed herself to be treated poorly for months, or even years. This is not a judgement, rather an observation. Some are lucky enough to escape these relationships, others not so much. As girls growing up, I think many of usContinue reading “Toxic Adaptability: Why I wrote ‘Spilling Over the Edges’”

Thoughts on the Lockdown

We are now on Day 6 of the lockdown.   It has been an interesting week. A mix of good and bad, of optimism and despair, anger and hope. I know a lot of people who have struggled with depression and staying positive. They may be far from their families, they may be struggling withContinue reading “Thoughts on the Lockdown”

The Counter-productivity of Labels

I’m taking a break from Kerala posts but just for today 🙂 Last night, I found myself pulled into a debate about the Aziz Ansari episode, as a friend of mine related a personal anecdote of mine on a group forum. “Why didn’t she just do x?” “Why didn’t she just do y?” “Why didn’tContinue reading “The Counter-productivity of Labels”

Finding Peace in Silent Empty Hours

It’s a four hour drive to Kumarakom, a sleepy little town by the backwaters, dominated by resorts. Kottayam is a short distance away, and there is apparently some sightseeing to be done there. The roads of Kottayam remind me of Goa, low-rise colourful houses, with wide fields lined with rice patties, and peppered with clumpsContinue reading “Finding Peace in Silent Empty Hours”

The Wonders of Kalaripayattu

The kalaripayattu performance that follows the kathakali is nothing short of spectacular. The practitioners move like dancers, their bodies a combination of ridiculous strength and flexibility. Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art that originated in Kerala, with roots that date back to the Sangam period literature (3rd century BC – 2nd century AD). Every soldierContinue reading “The Wonders of Kalaripayattu”

Discovering Kathakali

Although I had originally planned to see the Kathakali performance in Kumarakom, I find out that it’s difficult to organise, or at least my hotel says so. Fortunately I have the evening free in Thekkady, so I decide that I might as well. I glance in my guide book, and it recommends the Mudra CulturalContinue reading “Discovering Kathakali”